Sunday, September 29, 2013

Ethan spent the weekend with friends. They rented a cabin in Estes Park so that they could watch the beginning of the Elk mating season. This is when the Elk bulls bugle to win the favors to the females. It is also the time when younger bulls try to take away some of the females to start their own herds.

They got up super early to do the drive and get there at sunrise.

Ethan said that there was a group of four coyotes that were hoping to find an elk alone, but the elk cows stood their ground, one even charged the coyotes and ran them off. He also said that they got to see the elk bulls fighting, or at least posturing to gain dominance.

Estes Park suffered greatly during the flooding recently. There were parts of the town that were under many feel of rushing water. This beautiful church was spared. Thankfully, someone had the clarity of thought to build it up on a bit of a hill. Other parts of town were not so lucky. Roads were washed out and many businesses are closing. Tourism is way down.

I'm glad that Ethan was able to have an adventure this weekend and I am hopeful that others will return to Estes Park soon and help the little town survive.

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Here's a lovely recipe that Natalie gave to me. I made a double batch of it.

Pumpkin Seed Trail Mix
Via: Natalie

2 Cups Pumpkin Seeds

1 Cup Shelled Sunflower Seeds

1 Cup Sliced Almonds

1 Cup Coconut Flakes

1/4 Cup Ground Flax Seed

6 TBSP. Maple Syrup

1 Cup Dried Fruit (cherries, cranberries, apples)

Coarse Salt to Taste

-Preheat oven to 300 and line baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with non-stick spray.

-Mix all ingredients except dried fruit and salt.

-Spread evenly on baking sheet and cook for 20 minutes or until brown,

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Welcome to My Blog

Welcome to "A Need to Create." This blog started out as a way to document and share the various kinds of creations I enjoy making.

However, it has become more like a diary of our family events. You'll find lots of posts about my kids, Ellie (17) who is a senior in high school and Ethan (21) who is currently being a sailor on a tall ship off of the West Coast. They are on the verge of adulthood and I am thankful to be part of their journeys.

I also like to cook and post recipes. I post a lot of our recipes. We were Paleo for a while, and now my husband is vegan. I craft, quilt, sew, paint, knit, etc. when I have time.

I hope you find something to amuse you, inspire you, or at least make you smile. Thanks for stopping by.

About Me

I have a nearly insatiable need to create things - from paper, paint, fabric or food. While it is fun to have end products, it is the act of creating that it important. It can put me in a nearly Zen-like state of happiness and contentment. My postings here will chronicle my processes.
I am a mom of two kids, Ethan (18 years old) and Ellie (14 years old). I met my husband on a blind date in high school and have been in love ever since. By day I am a HS English teacher. I also teach reading and am an English as a Second Language teacher. I also write and facilitate online professional development graduate level courses for teachers.